Phonophobia

Phonophobia or the fear of public speaking.

Most professional therapists operate under the umbrella of a reputable national organisation and are, therefore, bound by a set of Rules and Guidelines to protect their clients from malpractice or wrongdoing.

The main body for Hypnotherapy is the Hypnotherapy Association and they are a strictly disciplined and ethical group.

One of the rules is that therapists must ensure that wherever possible a permanent cure or improvement in any presented condition is aimed for. However, practically this may not always be achieved.

Take Chris, as I shall call him. Many years ago, he told me that he had been offered the position as Manager of a well-known Swansea Centre but had to turn it down as he was afraid of speaking to more than two or three people at a time. So his fear – Phonophobia, or speaking aloud to large groups, meant he could not advance his career further. So we worked together to build his confidence and, eventually, he felt brave enough to accept the position and off he went really enthusiastic. A month later he gleefully told me that he was lecturing groups in excess of one hundred.

Something like one year went by when I received a call from him in an agitated manner as his nerves had got the better of him. Puzzled, I agreed to see him and he recounted how successful he had been until he was suddenly informed that he had to conduct the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh around the centre that he was in charge of. (You may recall the royal party visited Swansea some years ago.)

Chris said that the enormity of the ordeal was just too much and he was panicking and nervous continually at the thought of this meeting. So immediately I called on his subconscious mind to recollect the first of his moments in speaking aloud in public and to then bring his success forward to the meeting with Her Majesty and the Duke. After a few sessions, he regained his composure and actually looked forward to the meeting.

Following the successful visit, Chris reported back to me saying that the royal couple put him at his ease and they were just as easy to talk to like his fellow managers and other personalities.

As Chris said, “Now I can cope with any public speaking you throw at me!”